Miami Dolphins Quarterback Roulette: Is Christian Ponder the Answer?

Player: Christian Ponder

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 220

Age: 22 (His birthday is on February 25)

Availability: Available in this year’s draft and expected to go in the early to middle rounds (2-4).

Positives: His greatest strength is his athleticism. Quick feet with great agility...great speed for a QB...quick release...a three-year starter in a pro system…accurate on slants, ins and other crossing patterns, especially over middle…has great intangibles…appears to really understand the position mentally…a leader…tough.

Negatives: Medical issues are the greatest concern. Missed four games this season with a right shoulder injury…doesn’t have an elite arm but a good one…questionable decision-making…less than ideal height…average deep ball.

Scoop: There is a lot to like with the former Seminole. He’s a great athlete with quick feet and shows excellent zip and accuracy in the short to intermediate passing game. So what if he doesn’t have a cannon arm? It’s strong enough. How many times is a Dolphins quarterback going to chuck it 50-plus yards downfield, let alone any quarterback?

He’s much further along mentally than most quarterbacks in this draft. If there isn’t a quarterback to the Dolphins liking available at 15 in the first round, I would assume they trade down and draft a guy like Ponder in the second or third round. He’s got some nice upside combined with the ability to play right away.

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